Spot prices for Norwegian salmon are up around NOK 5 (€0.51/$0.58) per kg on average from last Friday, as the holiday season gets into full swing and buyers prep for seasonal demand, according to industry players.

"It is demand from Europe that is pushing up the price today," one exporter told IntraFish.

"In Asia, it is not particularly strong, but Europe is clearly starting to buy for Christmas now."

The exporter was "reasonably sure" prices would end at around NOK 54 (€5.50/$6.30), NOK 56 (€5.80/$6.50), and NOK 58 (€5.90/$6.80) per kg for the different weight classes between 3 and 6 kilograms.

"Prices have really risen throughout the week," another buyer told IntraFish.

"They have also come through today and are up maybe NOK 1 (€0.10/$0.12) per kg from this morning."

However, he is not convinced these levels will last very long.

"The market is not as strong as the producers like to think," he said

Another exporter was reporting prices of NOK 53 (€5.40/$6.20) to NOK 55 (€5.70/$6.40) to NOK 57 (€5.80/$6.70) per kg.

"That's what it's about. Then it remains to see how much the big ones actually buy at that level," he said.

IntraFish was given the following prices:

• Sizes 3-4 kilograms – NOK 53 (€5.40/$6.20) to NOK 54 (€5.50/$6.30) per kg
• Sizes 4-5 kilograms – NOK 55 (€5.70/$6.40) to NOK 56 (€5.80/$6.50) per kg
• Sizes 5-6 kilograms – NOK 57 (€5.80/$6.70) to NOK 58 (€5.90/$6.80) per kg